Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Hardee.
Hi Chelsea, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In my former life, I was a professional pole vaulter – competing for Team USA, Nike, and Red Bull. Upon retiring from athletics in 2011, I moved to Austin to be closer to my then-boyfriend and now husband, Trey Hardee. Almost immediately upon moving to Austin, I began working for LIVESTRONG. While there, I met Flatwater Founder Mark Garza. Flatwater had just received nonprofit status. Mark was working to grow the nonprofit with an incredible vision to make mental health therapy accessible to cancer patients. Mark’s enthusiasm and passion for this goal drove me to first volunteer for Flatwater and eventually be the second full-time hire. For 10 years, Mark and I put our heads down and were able to grow the foundation from an annual raise of $30,000 to over $1.5M annually raised. Through these efforts, we’ve facilitated more than 68,000 therapy sessions for Central Texans affected by cancer. Today, I proudly serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Flatwater, leading with enthusiasm and optimism for the organization’s future!
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like many nonprofits and small businesses, our team at Flatwater consists of a compact staff, each of us wearing multiple hats to keep the organization thriving. Navigating the delicate balance between work and personal life becomes more intricate as the business expands and our families grow. Within seven years, Mark welcomed two kids and I welcomed three – adding some complexity to the juggling act! Our company ethos has always emphasized that family comes first. As a working mom, this philosophy has been a tremendous source of comfort. The unpredictable nature of having sick kids is an inevitable part of parenthood, and knowing that the company understands and actively supports the challenges that come with family life has made a significant difference in my own mental health.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us more about your work.
For a decade, I served as the Senior Vice President of Impact and Events at Flatwater, where my primary role was overseeing and orchestrating all Flatwater events. As the lead event producer, most of my attention was dedicated to our flagship event, Dam That Cancer Presented by TYLER’S, a 21-mile stand-up paddle event from dam to dam on Lake Austin. In addition to Dam That Cancer, our reach extended to participation in the NYC and Berlin Marathon. Moreover, we embark on extreme SUP adventures annually, venturing to remarkable locations such as The Netherlands, Lake Tahoe, Moab, Iceland, and Vancouver Island this past June. As the Chief Executive Officer, my focus has shifted toward long-term strategy and execution. Steering the organization toward a sustainable and impactful future is priority, and I am dedicated to leading Flatwater with a vision that aligns with our mission and values. While I take immense pride in the thousands of therapy sessions Flatwater has facilitated, I also have a deep sense of accomplishment from the incredible community that has emerged that we affectionately refer to as the Flatwater Family. Witnessing individuals come together, support one another, and form genuine connections has been truly heartening. It reinforces the belief that, together, we can navigate the challenges of mental health and cancer with strength and resilience.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the COVID-19 crisis?
Like many businesses, Flatwater faced significant challenges due to the pandemic. Before the outbreak, nearly 80% of our therapy sessions were conducted in person. Our therapists demonstrated remarkable adaptability by transitioning to virtual therapy for our program participants. Given the heightened demand for therapy during such a stressful period, this shift was crucial. In addition to adapting our therapeutic services, our flagship fundraising event, Dam That Cancer faced multiple postponements due to lockdown restrictions. Initially scheduled for June 2020, we rescheduled it to July 2020, then further to August. Finally, in October 2020, we successfully executed Dam That Cancer, raising over $850,000. These funds were instrumental in sustaining us through the following year, ensuring our continued ability to provide vital services.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.flatwater.org
- Instagram: @flatwater
